Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen Review (2026)

What changed in the 2nd Gen

The core listening experience carries over from the original QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, with the main updates centered on connectivity rather than sound or noise cancelling. Bose added Bluetooth 5.4 support, LE Audio compatibility, multipoint connectivity for pairing with two devices at once, and wireless charging for the case. Reviewers have generally described the difference between generations as incremental rather than dramatic, noting the ANC feels slightly more consistent and smoother but not fundamentally different from the first model. For travelers already happy with the original QuietComfort Ultra, this update is more about future-proofing the connection standard than gaining new audio capability.

Noise cancelling and Immersive Audio

Like its predecessor, the 2nd Gen includes Bose's Immersive Audio mode, which adds a sense of spatial depth to music and video, and the same active noise cancelling technology that has made Bose earbuds popular with frequent flyers. On long flights or noisy trains, that noise cancelling performance is the main reason to choose this earbud over a cheaper alternative, since it meaningfully reduces the drone of jet engines and background chatter. The Bluetooth 5.4 upgrade also brings improvements to power efficiency and security behind the scenes, which can translate into a more stable connection in crowded wireless environments like an airport terminal.

Battery life

Battery life is effectively unchanged from the first generation: up to 6 hours per charge with Immersive Audio off, or up to 4 hours with it on, plus roughly three additional charges from the case. That means travelers should not expect a longer per-charge runtime just because this is a newer model, and the same mid-flight top-up considerations from the original earbud still apply here. The improved power efficiency of Bluetooth 5.4 may help slightly in real-world use, but Bose's official battery figures for playback time remain the same as the earlier version. On a long-haul flight without easy access to an outlet, that means planning to use the case for at least one recharge rather than relying on a single charge to last the entire journey.

Fit and everyday use

The 2nd Gen keeps the same physical earbud design and multiple ear tip options as the original, so fit and comfort for long travel days should feel familiar to anyone who has used the earlier model. The compact bud size that makes these comfortable for extended wear also makes them easy to drop or misplace, a real risk in busy airport seating areas or the back seat of a taxi. Multipoint connectivity is a genuinely useful addition for travelers who regularly switch between a phone and a laptop, since it removes the need to manually re-pair when changing devices. The earbuds also carry an IPX4 rating, so light rain or sweat during an active travel day should not cause damage, though they are not built for swimming.

Value and who should buy it

This earbud is best suited to travelers who want the latest Bluetooth standard and wireless charging alongside Bose's noise cancelling, or who are buying into the Bose ecosystem for the first time and want the newest version available. Owners of the original QuietComfort Ultra earbuds who are satisfied with their current pair have less reason to upgrade, since the sound and noise cancelling performance are close to identical. Buyers focused purely on price should also compare against the first generation, which is sometimes discounted and offers most of the same core experience for less money.

Frequently asked questions